| Prep: 25 mins | Cook: 20 mins – 25 mins | Difficulty: Medium | Serves: 6 |
| kcal | fat | saturates | carbs |
| 238 | 8g | 4g | 36g |
| sugars | fibre | protein | salt |
| 12g | 9g | 7g | 0.7g |
Why I Love Polish Zupa Botwinka z Bobem i Koperkiem
I have always held a deep appreciation for great fusion food, and Zupa Botwinka z Bobem i Koperkiem, a delicious Polish recipe, is one such stellar example. The power in this recipe lies both in its rich, earthy taste and the beautiful symphony of vibrant vegetables that not only make your taste buds dance but also add a burst of color to your table.
Flavors of the World
As someone who treasures the blend of Southern and West African cuisine in my own cooking, I found a kindred spirit in Polish soups which share a similar wholesomeness in their flavors. I can’t help but compare Zupa Botwinka z Bobem i Koperkiem with Efo Riro, a rich Nigerian vegetable stew, stirred to magnificence with a blend of peppery heat and grounded, earthy flavors. While their ingredients may differ, the heartiness and depth of flavors in both are remarkably similar.
Taking Inspiration from the Masters
I was first inspired to embrace Polish soups through the work of Chef Wojciech Amaro, the renowned Polish chef who is a champion for preserving and revitalizing traditional Polish cuisine. His passion for seasonal and local ingredients resonated deeply with me, and I was inspired to try my hand at this remarkable soup, and I must say, it was a euphoric culinary experience.
In the flavorful world of Zupa Botwinka z Bobem i Koperkiem, the earthy sweetness of beets, the lush crunch of green beans, the smooth creaminess of parsley roots and the crispy bite of fresh peas work together to create a rich harmony of tastes and textures. Add to this pot the warmth of the allspice berries and bay leaves, a vibrant dash of freshly squeezed lemon juice, and a swirl of lush sour cream, and you have a bowl of nourishing goodness that lights up your senses with every spoonful.
As for pairing? A classic Polish bread like Rye Bread or Chleb Zytni works wonderfully, especially when served warm. The robust flavor of the bread and its crusty texture provide the perfect counterpoint to the creamy textures and vibrant flavors of the soup.
So, for my next foray into the culinary wonders that the world has to offer, I invite you to join me to savour a bowl of Zupa Botwinka z Bobem i Koperkiem. Truly, it is a detour in flavors that’s worth taking.
What You’ll Need
- 1 large bunch (roughly 2 lbs) of fresh young beet greens with small beets attached
- 3 medium carrots
- 3 medium parsley roots or 2 parsnips
- 1 large leek
- 1 large onion
- 2 cups of fresh green beans
- 1 cup of fresh or frozen peas
- 1 cup of fresh or frozen broad beans
- 2 tablespoons of vegetable oil
- 10 cups of water
- 2 bay leaves
- 4-5 allspice berries
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
- 1 tablespoon of sugar (optional)
- 1/4 cup of freshly squeezed lemon juice
- 1/2 cup of chopped fresh dill
- 1 cup of sour cream
Method
Step One
Begin by cleaning the beet greens and beets. Trim off the beet roots, leaving about an inch of the stem attached. Scrub the beets clean, making sure to remove all dirt. Rinse the beet greens thoroughly and set aside for later.
Step Two
Peel and chop your carrots, parsley roots (or parsnips), leek, and onion. Set them aside.
Step Three
Heat the vegetable oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the chopped vegetables to the pot and stir occasionally, cooking until they are softened. This should take about 10 minutes.
Step Four
Add the beet greens, beets, green beans, peas, broad beans, water, bay leaves, and allspice berries to the pot. Bring the soup to a boil, and then lower the heat and let it simmer for about 25-30 minutes, stirring occasionally.
Step Five
Season the soup with salt, pepper, and sugar (if using). Stir in the lemon juice and fresh dill. Allow the soup to simmer for an additional 5-10 minutes to let the flavors meld together.
Step Six
Ladle the soup into bowls, and top each serving with a generous dollop of sour cream. Your Zupa Botwinka z Bobem i Koperkiem is now ready to be enjoyed!
